For the 27th year, Santa Claus and his merry helpers rode the rails and distributed gifts to more than 1,400 deserving children on board the BNSF Santa Claus Express train as it traveled through Southern California this past weekend, with trips departing from San Bernardino, Fullerton and Barstow.
Children were selected for the free rides by a variety of organizations, including the United Way, Scottish Rite, Ronald McDonald House, Children’s Hospital Orange County and Giving Children Hope, to name a few. BNSF employees volunteered their time to host the children and help Santa Claus deliver presents and refreshments during each of the trips.
“At BNSF, we focus on moving millions of packages during the holiday season, but it’s a true honor for our company and our employee volunteers to operate the Santa Claus Express for these special guests,” says Lena Kent, Regional Director Public Affairs. “We all enjoy seeing the kids’ excitement as Santa and Mrs. Claus come through the trains with gifts and treats. Along with many of my colleagues, I’m proud to have participated in this wonderful holiday tradition for more than 20 years.”
Local media coverage included the San Bernardino Sun, the Victorville Daily Press and the Barstow Desert Dispatch.